Brisbane Roar continued their positive pre-season form with a 5-0 victory against Mackay & Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders at BB Print Stadium on Thursday night.
Brisbane Roar continued their positive pre-season form with a resounding 5-0 win against Mackay & Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders at BB Print Stadium on Thursday night.
In a huge show of local support, more than 3000 fans turned up to watch the Hyundai A-League stars in what was a hugely entertaining clash.
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ANALYSIS: Your club’s first five fixtures
The Roar opened the scoring when Stefan Mauk pounced on a rebound to earn his side a penalty, following a dangerous ball from the left from Eric Bautheac.
Brisbane’s French marquee winger made no mistake from the spot, giving the visitors a well-deserved early lead, which they took to the break.
The Roar started the second half brightly, quickly putting the home side on the back foot and it didn’t take long for John Aloisi’s side to stamp their authority on the contest.
Fan-favourite Henrique made the home side pay with a well-taken brace, either side of goals from youngsters Mirza Muratovic and Adam Sawyer, helping secure a convincing win.
“It was another step in the right direction. We wanted improvement from the first game against Logan Lightning and we did that tonight,” Aloisi said.
“It’s good for our young players to play in front of a crowd like this and impress, and it will hold them in good stead when the Hyundai A-League season begins.”
The Roar boss added: “It’s been a brilliant week. We’ve enjoyed coming to Mackay, and it’s great coming out to the regional areas. We hope young footballers enjoyed the match tonight.
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“We’d love to come here again. There were a lot of Brisbane Roar supporters here tonight and to see so many people here supporting us, it’s really important of us to show our appreciation.”
The Roar will continue to build strong pre-season momentum as the side prepare for the FFA Cup Round of 32 blockbuster clash against Melbourne City at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday, 7 August. Get your tickets HERE.
Magpies Crusaders 0
Brisbane Roar 5 (Bautheac 12′ (pen), Henrique 49′ (pen), 83′, Muratovic 78′, Sawyer 85′)
Crowd: 3,122
